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James Joyce’s Ulysses: A Three-Part Course with Dr. Joseph Luzzi

James Joyce’s Ulysses: A Three-Part Course with Dr. Joseph Luzzi


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after each event.

What makes James Joyce’s classic novel from 1922, Ulysses, one of the best-known yet also–because of its mighty challenges–the least read of perhaps all of the world’s most recognizable books? In this three-part series, we will do a “deep dive” into this fascinating work, unpacking its mysteries and exploring its insights on a dizzying array of subjects: from ancient literature and modern fiction to Irish politics, Joyce’s own “exilic” biography, and the vigorous literary avant-garde of the early twentieth century.
This seminar is led by award-winner author, scholar, and teacher Joseph Luzzi, Professor of Comparative Literature at Bard College. Together we will develop a reading of Joyce’s novel as we create the tools for entering into his complex verbal world and making sense of a book that, in Joyce’s own words, contained “so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries.
Recommended book edition: James Joyce, Ulysses (The Gabler Edition; Vintage, 1986)

Lecture 1: Stephen Hero
Our first session will introduce us to Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom as we focus on Ulysses, Part 1, Episodes 1–3, and Part 2, Episodes 4–11.
Lecture 2: A Day in the Life
Our second session will take us through the city of Dublin’s role as a character when we focus on Ulysses, Part 2, Episodes 12–15.
Lecture 3: Molly’s World
Our third and final session will explore Molly Bloom’s thoughts and her place in this world when we focus on Ulysses, Part 3, Episodes 16–18.

Joseph Luzzi received his Ph.D. from Yale University and is a Professor of Comparative Literature and Faculty Member in Italian Studies at Bard College, where he has taught since 2002 after being a visiting faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania. A frequent contributor to publications including the New York Times, TLS, and Chronicle of Higher Education, he is the author of 5 books, including "My Two Italies," a New York Times Editors' Choice selection and "In a Dark Wood: What Dante Taught Me About Grief, Healing, and the Mysteries of Love," a Vanity Fair “Must-Read” selection. His work has been translated into multiple languages and his many awards include a Yale College Teaching Prize, Dante Society of America Essay Prize, and Wallace Fellowship at Villa I Tatti, Harvard's Center for Italian Renaissance Studies. In 2017 he was named Cittadino Onorario/Honorary Citizen in Acri, Calabria, his Italian parents' birthplace. His next book is "Botticelli's Secret: The Lost Drawings and the Rediscovery of the Renaissance," which will be published by W. W. Norton. Professor Luzzi is the founder of the Virtual Book Club, an online community of readers dedicated to exploring some of the best books ever written. Learn more at JosephLuzzi.com.

How does it work?
This is a three-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture.
Is there a reading list in advance?
Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, there are suggested readings for further investigation. You will receive this soon after course registration.
How long are the lectures?
Each lecture is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.
How much is the course?
The course is $105 for three lectures.
Is a recording available?
Yes. If you need to miss a lecture, you will be sent a recording within 48 hours following the event.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
83%
(15)
17%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
John Breen (Arlington, US)
Ulysses Explained

Dr. Luzzi made the very difficult seem possible (at least a little). His enthusiasm for the book came through in his explanations. I enjoyed it very much and came to appreciate Joyce - even if I don't have the patience to read it in its entirety.

G
Grace Powell (Riviere-Rouge, CA)
Ulysses revisited

I studied Ulysses in great details many years ago. It was a tough slog but I did read the whole book. What was missing was a comprehensible framework & why it was a book that needed to be read. Dr Luzzi gave me that missing perspective by stepping back, giving context and positioning the innovative aspects as a framework with short passages to illustrate Joyce's innovation. I feel I have a much better understanding after an enjoyable 3 lectures and conversations.

A
Alan (Southwark, GB)
Fascinating and engaging

I really enjoyed this course. Reading Ulysses is certainly a challenge, but Dr Luzzi really helped me to view it in a new way. And I finally finished it!

M
Marjorie OReilly (Mebane, US)
An enlightened perspective

I have never read Ulysses before and always wanted to but was intimidated. Dr. Luzzi’s seminar has been so enlightening because he is a comparative literature professor. Understanding the text, the literary styles, puzzles and enormous political and historical references are explained within the context of Joyce’s life in Paris. Why is Joyce so relevant today? And why did I chose to read Joyce now? Dr. Luzzi will take you to Joyce’s Dublin and Paris in the 1920’s to explore Ulysses. It was so interesting and thought provoking. I am thoroughly enjoying this literary journey.

J
J.G. (Chicago, US)
Ulysses Redeemed

While I struggled mightily with Ulysses, I never struggled with Professor Luzzi’s explanations of Ulysses. He clearly laid out what Joyce was doing, and, consequently, redeemed him. My frustration and anger with Joyce were rescued by Luzzi’s clarity and enthusiasm. His love of classic literature is infectious and, again, redemptive. I will give Joyce a second chance.

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
83%
(15)
17%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
John Breen (Arlington, US)
Ulysses Explained

Dr. Luzzi made the very difficult seem possible (at least a little). His enthusiasm for the book came through in his explanations. I enjoyed it very much and came to appreciate Joyce - even if I don't have the patience to read it in its entirety.

G
Grace Powell (Riviere-Rouge, CA)
Ulysses revisited

I studied Ulysses in great details many years ago. It was a tough slog but I did read the whole book. What was missing was a comprehensible framework & why it was a book that needed to be read. Dr Luzzi gave me that missing perspective by stepping back, giving context and positioning the innovative aspects as a framework with short passages to illustrate Joyce's innovation. I feel I have a much better understanding after an enjoyable 3 lectures and conversations.

A
Alan (Southwark, GB)
Fascinating and engaging

I really enjoyed this course. Reading Ulysses is certainly a challenge, but Dr Luzzi really helped me to view it in a new way. And I finally finished it!

M
Marjorie OReilly (Mebane, US)
An enlightened perspective

I have never read Ulysses before and always wanted to but was intimidated. Dr. Luzzi’s seminar has been so enlightening because he is a comparative literature professor. Understanding the text, the literary styles, puzzles and enormous political and historical references are explained within the context of Joyce’s life in Paris. Why is Joyce so relevant today? And why did I chose to read Joyce now? Dr. Luzzi will take you to Joyce’s Dublin and Paris in the 1920’s to explore Ulysses. It was so interesting and thought provoking. I am thoroughly enjoying this literary journey.

J
J.G. (Chicago, US)
Ulysses Redeemed

While I struggled mightily with Ulysses, I never struggled with Professor Luzzi’s explanations of Ulysses. He clearly laid out what Joyce was doing, and, consequently, redeemed him. My frustration and anger with Joyce were rescued by Luzzi’s clarity and enthusiasm. His love of classic literature is infectious and, again, redemptive. I will give Joyce a second chance.